Researching our world

The task i am faced with is to come up with a game idea that would be interesting visually, so i can do all the concept work. One theme i first started with was science and technology, Here is a great website i came across about the evolution of electronics= http://robotsfuture.blogspot.co.uk/2011_12_01_archive.html This lead me to think about Leonardo Da Vinci and the inventions from the past. Its known that some of the inventions such as the flying machine actually didn't work but its great inspiration for a game idea, as games don't have to be in reality or scientifically correct. Leonardo is a good inspiration because most of his ideas you can imagine how they would of worked even if they actually don't.

Drawing of the first helicopter design.

Leonardo Da Vinci's life, (N/A) Leonardo Da Vinci inventions. Retrieved from http://www.davincilife.com/inventions.html

Just starting with Leonardo Da vinci i can brainstorm many ideas:

-Steam Powered-Crank mechanism-hydraulic pumps. 

With these basic ideas in mind these could influence many design elements such a more advanced technology inventions, weapons, vehicles and even items people use. 

Another theme i wanted to go down was Ancient cultures such as the Mayans, ancient Egypt etc.

-What if these ancient civilisation didn't die out? what would the world be like now?

-What beliefs and religions would exist?

The main idea that comes to mind from researching, is something to do with a civilisation or a culture that hasn't the technological advances such as electric, fuel but more primitive power sources such as Hydro power and steam to create inventions and weapons.  

 Example of a steam powered vehicle. 

Red Clay,(2006) Muscle Machines, The Steam Age. Retrieved from http://www.allempires.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=32092

Another idea i really like, which i mentioned before about the ancient civilisations. For example what if the roman empire did not die out, how would the world look now. This immediately gets ideas flowing and inspiration for a starting point for a theme. 

Example of roman architecture.

About Roma, (N/A) Colosseum. Retrieved from http://www.aboutroma.com/colosseum.html